My wife accepted Christ through Alpha many years ago, so it was a bit of a no-brainer that I became an Alpha facilitator at my church. While I was retiring from Hewlett Packard, I started volunteering at Alpha in Singapore. I was offered a role after retirement to be the Chief Operating Officer of Alpha Asia Pacific.

What is your biggest passion?

My developing passion now is to give time to younger guys, have coffee with them, provide a listening ear, and to invest in and disciple them.

What was the last book you read?

Simple Church by Thom S. Rainer.

Who or what inspires you?

The people who work quietly and in the background. People who quietly do their bit for church, for Alpha or other organisations — those who carry chairs around, clean the place, do the admin!

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to take with you?

My jazz music, my Audi R8 that I don’t have... and I’ll need to get back to you on the third thing.

If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why?

A street hawker selling char kuay teow (fried noodles). I could cook, make a mess and enjoy myself — and not worry about having to clean up!

What do you think Christians today need to hear most?

Whatever circumstances they are in, they (Christian or not) need to hear that God loves and cares for them, much beyond what they might understand! And we as people on this earth are His vehicles to provide that love and care to others.

If there was one piece of advice you could give to young people in our region, what would it be?

There’s more to life than work; try to experience God’s love for you.

What is currently at the top of your playlist?

Diana Krall.

What biblical character would you compare yourself to or identify with?

I would love to be Barnabus.

Favourite food?

Easy la — char kuay teow!

What is the thing you are most proud of?

My children!

Philip Oh retired from Hewlett Packard in 2009 after 15 years of service and a working career of 35 plus years. Since then, he has been serving as a servant leader in Alpha Asia Pacific where he is the Chief Operating Officer. Philip has been a member of Wesley Methodist Church for many years and is on the Local Church Executive Committee. He presently chairs the Lay Personnel Committee and is an accredited trainer for the Disciple Course. Philip is married to Choo Hong and they have two grown-up children.

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